EC number 2.4.99.20 Human Mouse | Species Human Entrez 952 | |
 | ||
Aliases CD38, ADPRC1, ADPRC 1, CD38 molecule External IDs OMIM: 107270 MGI: 107474 HomoloGene: 1345 GeneCards: CD38 | ||
CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38), also known as cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase is a glycoprotein found on the surface of many immune cells (white blood cells), including CD4+, CD8+, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. CD38 also functions in cell adhesion, signal transduction and calcium signaling.
Contents
In humans, the CD38 protein is encoded by the CD38 gene which is located on chromosome 4.
Function
CD38 is a multifunctional ectoenzyme that catalyzes the synthesis and hydrolysis of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) from NAD+ to ADP-ribose. These reaction products are essential for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+.
Clinical significance
The loss of CD38 function is associated with impaired immune responses, metabolic disturbances, and behavioral modifications including social amnesia possibly related to autism.
The CD38 protein is a marker of cell activation. It has been connected to HIV infection, leukemias, myelomas, solid tumors, type II diabetes mellitus and bone metabolism, as well as some genetically determined conditions.
CD38 produces an enzyme which regulates the release of oxytocin within the central nervous system.
CD38 has been used as a target in treating multiple myeloma by using daratumumab. Initial results show encouraging efficacy in patients with heavily pretreated and refractory myeloma.
Application
CD38 has been used as a prognostic marker in leukemia.